SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 25: GWS Giants head coach Leon Cameron poses with the number five draft pick Will Setterfield of the GWS Giants during the 2016 AFL Draft at Hordern Pavilion on November 25, 2016 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

AFL set to shake up draft rules

All northern teams in the AFL will have to change their draft plans moving forward, with the AFL reportedly set to shake up the current system relating to academy zones.

Fox Sports understands the Giants will lose part of their NSW zone including the area of Albury, which helped them draft Will Setterfield at pick five and Lachie Tiziani at 54 in the 2016 AFL National Draft.

The ability to select academy recruits will now be impacted by ladder positions, with top four clubs now only allowed to make one academy selection in the top 20 of the draft.

That’s a rule that would make the Swans unhappy, as it could prevent them from taking more than one standout academy prospect, after having taken Isaac Heeney and Callum Mills.

While details are still be finalised, it’s reported that the AFL will announce the new draft system in the near future.